Network Rail comes to North America

Network Rail Consulting, the international consultancy arm of rail infrastructure company Network Rail, has joined the North American rail market after bidding to become a part of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor (NEC) Partner Forum.

Membership of the forum will enable Network Rail Consulting to share best practices internationally and collaborate on areas of interest, including high-speed rail development, railway operations, system integration and other objectives established by the forum for the purpose of improving the NEC. The mix of services, age of infrastructure and high levels of capacity utilization on the NEC are similar in many ways to Britain's busy intercity mainlines.

Simon Kirby, chairman of Network Rail Consulting, said, "We believe we have much to offer other railways around the world and we are eager to support Amtrak on this key initiative. We look forward to helping further develop rail in the United States, sharing the best of British engineering and ingenuity. The NEC Partner Forum is a good fit for our business and will allow us to share valuable experience in developing pioneering approaches in asset management and the successful delivery of large and complex capital projects."

Stephen Gardner, Amtrak vice president of NEC infrastructure and investment development, said, "I am delighted that Network Rail has joined the NEC Forum, formed of respected international railway operators and infrastructure owners. I expect that they will bring valuable experience to the group and make a significant contribution as Amtrak sets out on its vision for high-speed rail."